When comparing Logic Pro X vs Reaper, the Slant community recommends Reaper for most people. In the question“What are the best DAWs?”Reaper is ranked 1st while Logic Pro X is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Reaper is:

Reaper lets users change to different themes, supports the use of a wealth of (free) extensions and has a lot of options when it comes to rendering.

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Specs

MIDI?Yes

Max number of tracksUnlimited

Processing type64 Bit

CompatibilityMac

Full sound library63GB

Minimum install6GB

MIDI?Yes

Max number of tracksUnlimited

Processing type32-bit, 64-bit, ARM (32/64-bit, beta, Linux Only)

Included pluginsYes (also available as a separate free plugin package for both 32 and 64 bit on Windows)

Pros

Pro

High quality instruments and effects

Pro

Comes with 57gb content

The initial download of Logic Pro X gives users 2gb of samples, but the DAW automatically downloads 57gb of samples once the Logic Pro X DAW is installed.

Pro

Free update from Logic

As of 1/21/2015, Apple has released an update that allows users to upgrade from Logic to Logic Pro X.

Pro

Cheaper than similar programs

This program costs US$200 and must be bought from the app store.

Pro

UI designed for ease of use

The Logic Pro X DAW has made an effort to keep clutter out of the equation so producers can focus on the music.

Pro

Allows users to program their own tools

The Logic Pro X DAW lets users make their own effects using with javascript leveraging its Scripter API.

Pro

Free corresponding iPad app

In order to allow more control, the Logic Pro X DAW has added a free iPad app called Logic Remote.

Logic Remote is available in several different views, and is capable of MIDI input and parameter adjustment. It comes with a full library and browser. Navigation is easy as well via the navigation bar along the top of the screen.

Many interesting views are available, such as chord strips. This view allows users to play a series of preset chords that are already in the right key. Gestures are supported with this app, so loop speed and other properties can quickly be adjusted.

This app connects to Logic through WiFi, so the app and program should be running on the same network.

Pro

Studio standard

If you take music production seriously then one day maybe you'll enter professional studio, where you will most likely find the Logic DAW along with Pro Tools.

Pro

Supports expressive MIDI - MPE

Works with new controllers like Seaboard Rise, Linnstrument, Continuum Board, etc.

Pro

Uses minimum amount of CPU

The Logic Pro X DAW is optimized for CPU usage, which makes the DAW more stable.

Pro

Full external MIDI support

Pro

Easy to learn, makes writing easy, and keeps technical in the background

It is easy, intuitive, and easy-to-implement.

Pro

Used by celebrities

This includes: Prodigy - Invaders Must Die (everything except guitars), John Powell - How to train your dragon, other works, and Tycho (until 2011 when he switched to Reaper to finish his album).

Pro

Does a lot of work for you

Switch in to Alchemy on the synth and you get an intuitive template to adjust wavetables and eq visually, plus various modes and styles. Handy tool

Pro

Highly customizable

Reaper lets users change to different themes, supports the use of a wealth of (free) extensions and has a lot of options when it comes to rendering.

Pro

Rarely crashes

Most DAWs have a tendency to crash constantly, reaper crashes very rarely.

Pro

Supports unlimited number of tracks with unlimited number of effects

There are no limits on amount of tracks and effects that those tracks can be equipped with.

Pro

Constantly updated

Alongside generally quick pace of updates, Reaper developers pay very close attention to user feedback and are constantly adding features based on their requests so much so that some even consider it somewhat of a crowdsourced DAW.

Pro

Auto-bridges 32-bit plugins in a 64-bit environment

When using a 64-bit installation of Reaper, all 32-bit plugins will still work alongside 64-bit plugins. On computers with an x86-64 CPU and an OS that supports multi-architecture, you can also run bridged 64-bit plugins on 32-bit Reaper.

Pro

Portable

Reaper is lightweight enough to be run off of a flash drive; the installer weights less than 20 MB and the portable installation option is included in it.

Pro

Highly affordable

The Reaper DAW offers 2 licenses. A commercial license at $225 and a discounted one at $60. Both licenses give access to the complete DAW. The discounted license is for non profits, educational programs and personal use as long as yearly gross revenue does not exceed USD $20,000. There's even an indefinite free trial with no limitations for evaluation purposes.

Pro

Very low cpu usage

Reaper's will tailor itself to fit your computer's processing power by automatically using the "anticipative FX processing" feature.

Pro

Comes with ~300 free plugins

Pro

Easy to install

No complex activation shenanigans. No dongle and such.

Pro

Multi-level freezing

A freeze can be applied to a group, and then picked apart track by track.

Pro

Simplified workflow

In Reaper, a track is a track is a track. There is no distinction among MIDI, stereo, mono, surround or any other tracks, and that means it's possible to put clips of all kinds on the same track. This approach makes the Reaper DAW seem a lot more intuitive than other DAWs.

Pro

Lua scripting can be done in the DAW with a built-in IDE

Pro

Huge community support

Pro

Multiple recording and playback formats

Records in WAV, AIFF, FLAC, WAVPACK, OGG and MP3.

Pro

Supports ReWire

Pro

Free Reaplugs VST/VSTi bundle allows usage of the basic bundled like EQ's and comp plugins in any DAW

Pro

Tabbed projects

You can have open multiple projects via tabs at the top left and easily drag and drop clips, instruments and ideas between each project at ease.

Pro

DRM-free

Essentially shareware. After your 60-day free trial runs out, the program does not enforce the end of the trial period, and you may continue using the software for further evaluation or non-revenue generating purposes indefinitely. The only "DRM" is your conscience, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and the fact the program is awesome.

Pro

Notation editor added recently

Pro

Very full featured but basic recording and production can be learned and done in a few hours

Without prior experience with DAW, you can install Reaper, set up ASIO drivers, connect to your amp and mikes, get the hang of recording/re-recording tracks, and render an mp3 in just a few hours. You can accomplish the basics very fast.

Pro

Editing audio can be done on track

You don't have to go to a separate editor to edit audio files. You can work directly on the track, and drop/drag pieces to other tracks, sew them together. It's a fun sandbox and easy peasy.

Pro

Application is extendable

The Application itself has no limitations. Once you understand it you can progress onto the better mastering and editing qualities then all other DAW applications.

Pro

Runs well on Wine in Linux

Pro

Many time-saving features

Thought has been given to many time-saving features and shortcuts which speed up workflow considerably.

Pro

Tool-less interface

Set the cursor, press a key, done. No need to switch cursor editing modes or work around "smart" cursors.

Pro

OSC-Support

You can control nearly everything via OSC (and Midi, too).

Pro

Native Linux support

No need to install Wine, Reaper supports Linux natively!

Pro

Clean, easy-to-read GUI

The GUI is simple and easily gets information across to the user

Pro

The software advances with you

If you want to use it as a glorified tape machine and nothing else, you'll still be able to get work done. If you want to learn all the shortcuts, scripts, custom actions and macros and really unlock what Reaper can do, you can do that as well. Either way, you'll still be able to make music.

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Cons

Con

Only compatible with Mac

No Windows or Linux versions are available.

Con

It is next to impossible to organize your mixer channels

There are lots of work arounds, but a straight rearrange the mixing channel would be appreciated.

Con

Lags or crashes often

This happens usually when there is a lot going on in the track.

Con

Unusable with lots of plugins: stutters and clicks

Con

No support for 32-bit plugins without 3rd Party Plugin 32 Lives

Con

Rarely updated

Since Apple purchased this software, the updates are rare and none. The latest update was less than great and has forced users to look elsewhere, especially the Pro community.

Con

Very buggy

Con

Poor audio editor

Audio editor is a lot less intuitive and accessible than other DAWs

Con

Long drop down menus

There are many features that you'll find nested deep in the menu system, but it's really clunky. Everything is there but it's difficult to find. It's also really easy to accidentally click an option that you didn't intend.

Con

Lacks VSTis

Doesn't come with a wealth of VSTis. Plugins for things like piano, cello, guitar have to be found elsewhere. But is highly compatible with other providers of those products.

Con

No native groove quantize feature

Straight quantization is available, but the Reaper 4 DAW is still missing groove integration. This feature can be made available with the free SWS extension.

Con

No PFL metering

If you want to meter your input levels before your FX and volume fader, you'll need to insert a metering plugin as the first part of the chain, since there is no option for PFL metering.

Con

Midi Latency is still an issue

Con

Midi drum editing not so fast or easy

Cubase has more features for creating and editing midi drum tracks.

Con

Horrible GUI

The producer or composer need a good feeling when they work with their DAW.

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